Temmy Balogun
On our interview series, we recently had a chat with a young and vibrant
Emilia Ogbankwa, popular as Emilia Banks explained to Espact how she copes with the three occupations and also advised African youths to believe in themselves and endeavour to start small.
Read the excerpt of her Interview below.
Tell us about you, your name, nationality, education and occupation?
My name is EMILIA OGBANKWA. I am from Imo State, Nigeria based in the United States where I got my degree in Social Work. I am currently a case manager with the Department of Social Services.
We understand you do three tasking professions together, what keeps motivated to do them ?
Becoming a very successful black woman is my goal in this life, multitasking is a bonus point added in other to be able to joggle different professions and doing it well. Also, I believe in giving back to my community. It has become an achievement that I would wake up every morning to accomplish.
How do you go about multitasking dancing, sewing and managing your fashion brand with your full time job in the US?
Honestly, God is my strength and helper. Sometimes I don’t understand how i get a-lot done. I’m grateful to God that I am a go-getter, a hardworking lady and a multitalented individual.
How did your innovative fashion brand
I took a sewing class when
I didn’t start sewing again until 2015. I recall always telling my parents tailor to give my material portion so i could go make my own clothes. I challenged myself with the little knowledge I had back in 10th grade. People always complimented the outfits I make and they always requested I make the same clothing for them.
My fashion brand EmiliaBanksCollection emerged solidly in 2018. “Classy with a touch of Africa” is my motto which simply means making use of African fabrics to create
How can people patronise you for your dancing and sewing services
I have a dancing Instagram Page called “@iva.dancers” which i call my dance resume, whereby people do reach out to me.
My sewing instagram page “@EmiliaBanksCollection” and also my website www.emiliabankscollection.com
Based on the current age where there are numerous fashion brands around the world, how do you stand out from the crowd?
Fashion has made a very huge impact around the world. My fashion brands stands out because it gives you the edgy, confident, stylish yet classy look which can be worn with an English wear.
What are your upcoming projects and what do you see your brand becoming in 5 years?
My upcoming projects would have to be a little suspense. In 5years, My brand would become well known in different countries by God’s grace. It would be worn by celebrities and everyone else. However, my brand is broad with different styles but
How long do you hope to continue doing all the three engagements together and which one is most dearest to you?
Out of my three engagements, (dance, fulltime worker and fashion designer) Fashion is the most dearest to me because it grows with me. We live in a world whereby people love to look exquisitely beautiful and your outlook appearance, determines how a person would treat you. Therefore, i believe that fashion would never be undermined in the world we live in.
How would you advice young Africans who are desirous of becoming more than ordinary?
My advice would be to start somewhere; invest in yourself from the age you are. Read lots of books on how to achieve the greatest success and the sky is not your limit but a stepping stone
